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E legance S alvador Dali coined the words “An elegant woman

is a woman who despises you and has no hair under her arms.” In our much less surreal — and real — world, this of course short-changes what

elegance is or what it should be.As Solitaire Magazine’s publisher, I get bombarded daily with press

releases, stories, blogs, newsletters, and just about anything else ever written or said about jewellery. Almost all describe what they claim are ‘elegant’ pieces. Sadly, that is less and less the case. Instead, I see more vulgarity. More Kardashianism, and less creativity. More screaming, and less substance. And more uses of words like ‘bold’, ‘daring’, ‘audacious’ — or my favourite dislike, ‘edgy’.

Elegance is something else. I shall make no attempt here to define what it is or ought to be. Much more talented and stylish people than me have done that at length. Elegance is that elusive a quality, that rare. But what I do know is that what is increasingly touted as elegance on the media and the web is certainly something else. Fashion perhaps. But not elegance.

My appeal to you as reader, and to our industry friends everywhere, is to be more careful with the use of that precious word. To thrive towards achieving elegance, rather than simply claiming it. True jewellers are artists at heart, and they will know what I am talking about. They are driven by their passions, rather than their bankers, and by the idea of creating something that will stand the test of time. Brand managers, on the other hand, are tasked with selling often rather bland collections that have to appeal to the widest possible worldwide audience. Not much room for true elegance there, I’m afraid.

Please allow me to conclude by wishing you a most happy and elegant holiday season. Celebrate in style with family and loved ones. Wear your best gowns, and your most beloved jewellery. Ignore what every one else thinks you should wear or carry. I have seen ladies in Asia’s tribal regions more elegant than many a label queen I encounter on a weekly basis at some branded event or other.

Be yourself. Be elegant. And be free.Happy Holidays.

Rainer SigelManaging Editor

E ssential